Strange animals - Part 1

You know, I've been thinking ... (uh, oh - that is always dangerous in her case, you suddenly say) - but I think that every animal/fish I have ever owned is such a personality and so strange, that it just felt natural that they should be part of our family. Owning an animal is the wrong phrase - they are really their own person, er...living thing, but if you are lucky, they invite you into their world.  Maybe that's it!  I've been invited in a lot!

I began to notice this with Elsa- my Australian terrier.  She was the runt of the litter and scheduled for 'deletion', but I stepped in just in time and took her to my classroom, and into my heart. She lived with me for many years and while jealous of Bronwyn's arrival in the beginning, became a fierce protector of me, and the family.  She often would put herself between me and a snake danger, knowing she could die if I didn't take notice. Thank God I did!  In the process of having her first batch of puppies while we lived on our wheat and sheep property in the early days, I was so worried about her.  I didn't know where she was and walked the extent of the farm yard calling for her. I knew "..nothin' about birthin' babies, Ms Scarlett", yet knew that when she suddenly ran out from under the old farmhouse, that she was in the midst of something.  She ran up to me, licked my hand somewhat frantically, (she stood all of barely 12 inches tall!) and ran back under the house and gave birth to two more puppies.. Now how many human Mothers would do that for a worried dog??!!

As time went by, we moved to a small but energetic Queensland town.  We started a manufacturing and supply business, and found that we needed a guard dog to guard the grounds at night-time.  We bought a rottweiler from excellent stock, and while we travelled overseas to see family for awhile, he boarded eventually with a retired police officer, who trained him.  He was an excellent guard dog. Without even looking like he was trying. But it stopped there. If asked to jump into the back of the work van, he would just stand and look at us pleadingly.  Apparently he was afraid of jumping or heights, as we would have to pick up this huge dog, and shovel him into the van....even in a car it was much the same.  However, as years went by, he discovered the back seat of the family sedan.  He loved riding in there at night-time.  Sometimes we just took him for a drive so that he could put his enormous head out of the back window and bark at the lights!  He loved them!

While he was on guard duty, Kurt had his normal morning tea break with the guys.  The pie van would pull up out front of our factory, and they would all go buy their pies and cokes, and Kurt would be be given his normal order--a steak and kidney pie!  One of the young apprentices had what can only be called a 'nasty habit' and after finishing his meat pie and coke would let out an appreciative burp--after a while, Kurt developed this habit too--so after he devoured his pie, he would sit down and with a happy look on his face would look at everyone in the room, and just burp!  Talk about being one of the boys. 

During the day, Kurt wondered the floor and watched what was going on, but at closing time, when the guys clocked out, Kurt would more or less clock on.  That meant that if any delivery man made the mistake of making a delivery too late in the afternoon, Kurt may let them in if the back doors were still open, but there was no way they could leave.  He would corner them, until we called him off.  The delivery guys soon learned to deliver on time.  Kurt ate at closing time, according to a colour, this was done so that during the night he would not be distracted by proposed poisoned food introduced to him, by break and enter 'villians'.  A very positive and proactive defense tool!  It was part of his training regime. So once we put the food into his dish, he would be called to his food dish, but would not touch the food until the magical 'colour word' was spoken--I think he ate to the command of Blue!  We would leave and lock up the gates, and Kurt patrolled all night. 

When we moved to Rockhampton, Kurt retired.  Not that he was that old, but he no longer needed to really be on guard duty.  He loved his new life.  We lived on 20 acres, without fences, so he could roam everywhere, and in the beginning he did.  But as time went by, he was content with staying close to home to keep a better 'eye' on things there, and would often be found laying at the top of the driveway, under the shade of the poinciana tree.

At the time, Elsa was his side-kick, and when people would walk up our gravel driveway for a look around or a chance to leave their car, and walk around, Elsa would start barking.  She was a great terrier guard dog--very good at early warning barks....but Kurt would just stand up and go to the driveway entrance and just stand there, not making a sound. 

If the people kept approaching and didn't stop at Kurt's preferred turn around spot for them to leave, he would suddenly appear even larger, and let out a growl and a bark of "Grrrummppp!"

Sometimes, when I heard this commotion I would stand at the first floor front windows and watch with wonder as the walkers suddenly realised that there was a Rottweiler watching them, and standing at attention ready to attack if needed.  It was amazing how many of them just stopped dead in their tracks and then just started walking backwards, looking at Kurt the whole time until they felt safe enough to turn around and head down the driveway as quickly as possible...I know it was cruel thing to do to them - but it was our property!

http://jan-whyilovemylife.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/kurt-our-hero-till-end.html

http://jan-whyilovemylife.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/maddies-big-day-out-with-kurt-er-carl.html

http://jan-whyilovemylife.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/kurt-what-dog.html

http://jan-whyilovemylife.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/kurt-his-journey-continues.html

http://jan-whyilovemylife.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/kurt-our-rottweiler.html

Grandma Julia sleeps over

When I was about 14 we moved to a house on a very small acreage, my sister was just newly married, and I had a bedroom all to myself--no more sharing!  It was a fair sized bedroom, and I had 2 twin beds in it- spread at two areas in the room, each one having its own space.

At this stage Grandma Julia would occasionally spend nights with her sons and family, and I would really look forward to her stay! She always stayed in my room, and I would put her in the twin bed which had a view out of the window through the patio.  Being a bit older at this stage, and also going a bit deaf, she often went to bed long before I ever intended to go.  But I would go with her, as she  got ready for bed in her long nightgown, and then would settle herself in bed.  I would stay with her for a while longer, and then would attempt to 'tuck her in', as I kissed her cheek, and left her to sleep. 

When I did go to bed, I would eventually lay there very quietly, and just listen to the night and then to her breathing.  If she wasn't breathing deeply, or appeared to be soundly asleep, I would tiptoe over to her bed, and kneeling on the floor next to her ear, I would whisper:

"Grandma, are you slightly awake?"
"Yes, Yan. ( I had shortened my name, and insisted on its abbreviated use at all times--no exceptions--even my teachers complied--so Grandma acknowledged it also.)
"May I talk to you?  If you don't mind and all..."
"What is it Yan, are you troubled?"
"Not sure...just want to talk, and be with you.  Is that OK?"

As these nights would occur, I often spent a lot of them in her bed, and we would whisper and discuss things...I was a very deep thinker back then for such a young mind, I guess a lot hasn't changed--except the young part!--but those nights were always special to me.

Swedish pancakes!

When I was growing up, I had a grandmother, Julia (pronounced Yulia) who originated from Sweden.  She came to the States when she was young, possibly a 13 year old, not sure of the age.  But as time went by, she and her family settled in Iowa and she eventually ended up working in the Governor's household. 

She was a very religious woman, and had a very strong mind.  If she said something, it usually meant that everyone should have been listening.  She was strict, but maybe forced to be due to family issues, and the loss of her husband at a fairly young age.  She was very independent, and very determined.  (I think I know where I get that determination from--and I think I have passed it on through to my daughters--Thank you Grandma!)

But one thing she didn't pass on to me was the secret behind her Swedish pancakes.  They were very thin, light, formed a good sized circle, and tasted like heaven with maple syrup or jam.  I was only a small child, but I remember asking her to show me how to make them.  She would just smile and say:
"Yanice (Janice), now never mind, you go do something else for now, and I will let you know when you can eat these." 

One particular morning, when Grandma had spent the night with us, she decided to make her magical pancakes for breakfast.  I was so excited, and tried to quietly sit in the background of the kitchen and watch her prepare her 'secret' batter. But I was discovered, and Grandma Yulia told me to leave, and once again, she would call me when they were ready to eat!  She then proceeded to close the doors to the kitchen so that she wouldn't be disturbed - I actually think it was a game she played with me, so that I would stay curious--anyway--it worked!

I shuffled off dejectedly, but  as soon as I smelled the batter gently turning golden in melted butter, I  would wait anxiously, not far from the kitchen door, to be called to breakfast!

I loved those times with her.  She was mysterious, and even though she was somewhat strict and sometimes demanding, I always knew her soft spots, and loved just being with her.

Finally the kitchen door opened, and we were beckoned to eat her 'magic pancakes'.  Sometimes I can still taste them. 

Note:  Since then, I have tried various times to imitate the taste and texture of her pancakes--I think part of the magic was her, and the mystery she kept from me.  She was unique!

I wish never to die regretting anything.....

This is somewhat of a sombre blog--sorry--but please keep reading, I will turn it around for you.  I recently read an article which had been posted in The Guardian Life and Style, a UK publication, entitled:  Top five regrets of the dying

 I have taken the liberty to edit the article and present to you the five most common regrets of the dying, as published by an Australian palliative care nurse, Bronnie Ware, during the last weeks of her patients' lives.  She eventually published these comments in a book, listing the various regrets that had been spoken about by her patients in their final care.  This book is called:  The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.

Why I am writing about this article today is that I read these top five regrets which were listed in the Guardian article, and they stated:

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
"This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it."
2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.
"This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret, but as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence."
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
"Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result."
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
"Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying."
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
"This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again."

Now we come to the reason why I wanted to write about this particular article.  I can honestly say that as far as these top five regrets go, I have always tried  to successfully achieve these 'goals'.  I  have lived my life fully and have positively responded to each of these five regrets throughout my life. 

I have always been true to myself.  If I wasn't, I wouldn't be me, and may not have achieved the things in my life that I did achieve.  Sure, I did things to please my parents while going through schools, but as I was self employed for the majority of my life, and held paid positions later in life, I was always able to let my imagination and individualism come forward. 

Working hard it very important, as that is usually the only way that we will achieve our goals and strive towards a better life.  But relaxing and spending time with your family and taking the time to 'smell the roses' is just as important.  While at times I would be snowed under with work, I would always find time to sit with my girls as they were growing up and share important time with them.  Companionship and love for and from your loved partner is also very important, and must always be nurtured.

 I have always been a communicator.  Ask my friends and family.  But I am a true believer in expressing emotions, sometimes as you are going through them.  I have always tried to encourage my family to do the same thing.  I strongly believe that the more you keep hurt feelings or frustrations to yourself, that the end result will be resentment, and perhaps anger.  This happens to everyone.  But talking about it will, in most cases, make these negative feelings go away.

I love my friends.  This includes those friends who touched my life while I was young, and perhaps going through schools or being employed in my first jobs.  To the best of my ability I try to still stay involved with them, and share messages and even jokes with them, even if it is just via an electronic means, due to the vast distances around the world, between us.  My current friends who are now in my life, know that I love them, as I usually tell them.  Good friendships that weather well over the years, are those treasures we give ourselves!

Laughter and enjoyment of living is very important. I  will admit I have had some very sad times in my life, which were often out of my control.  At times I wondered if I could ever gain control of the old me, but then something would happen, and next thing I knew I would be laughing until the tears rolled down my face.  Everyone needs to remind themselves of that every day and celebrate it, and what better way than through laughter, and sharing the love and the enjoyment of what you have to give.


I hope this article awakens something in you, so that if there is a regret now, you can do something about it, before it is too late. 

Better a life lived fully than to have just reached for the 'golden ring'.  Love of yourself and your family and friends is better that all the riches in the world!

Rain-now we're talking wet!

 

It has been raining here a lot lately, but then - we did move to the tropics--so, hello!  Of course we will experience a lot of rain during this rainy season!  But it seems to have hit a lot of areas in Queensland, including our old 'hometown' - Rockhampton. 

Apparently there is danger of flooding there, as the rivers run, and everyone is getting into the ready mode.  As I have lived through it many times over the years, I thought I would give you an example of how it affected us when we lived there!  And we lived on high ground!   But, and this is a big but--with a gravel driveway!

Actually now that we're not living there anymore I can look back on it and smile-it was so drastic at times that it seems funny now!

A few years ago the flood did a lot of damage to the low lying areas in the city, and a lot of people had to escape their homes. It was very tragic to read the reports and see the images that came out. There was water in so many areas!  Those people needed all the financial contributions we could all give to help them recover.

The rains had caused a bit of rainwater damage to some areas of the lower floor of our house-mainly as water seeped in from the large hills behind our house, and we had large areas of water to mop up, including some carpet drenching in two bedrooms.  But what was really irritating to us was the fact that as our house, which was on a steep driveway frontage down to the main road, always had flood damage to our gravel driveway, with a lot of the driveway being washed away, and large low areas of water forming at the bottom.

Usually Chris could make it through with his 4WD, but one year it was so bad, when we didn't have the Jeep yet. We had all managed to get all of our cars down the driveway in the morning, but couldn't get them back up the driveway because of the draining damage, and the consistent flow of water. As a result, we would have to park our cars under cover at the local motel, which fronted an area in the front of our house, and walk the half kilometer up the driveway, carrying what we needed.

I think what really stands out in my mind is the walking through the water slogged driveway, which by then had deeper and deeper water ruts developing, and then sinking into the very soggy areas with the mud covering the majority of my shoes and sometimes feet.  Chris and I would struggle up the driveway after work, at perhaps different times in the late afternoon, and then the major clean up of shoes and feet took place.  But then there was poor Maddie!

She had a part-time job after school, and would eventually make the trek up the driveway in the dark.

I would try to have deck lights on for her, and tried to light up the front garden area, so she had a direction to aim for, but it would have been a struggle.  Strangely enough we didn't lose our sense of humour--just 3 pairs of mud covered shoes in the end!

But the piece de resistance was the time Chris and I went for a muchly needed grocery shopping trip, and then got home, and parked our vehicles at the motel.  It was fortunate that Chris had, at one stage before all of this flooding, had his wheelbarrow in the back of his Toyota Hilux, which is what he had been driving.  The water had subsided a bit, so I put on my always damp pink leather shoes, and started the tredge up the driveway carrying what I could.  But Chris, who never says never, put the remainder of the groceries in the wheelbarrow, and walked that heavy monstrosity up the hill.  I couldn't believe it!

It was frustrating to see him struggle with it, but sort of funny at the same time!  We had supplies again!  In a way it was like--"OK, Mother Nature!  Do your most frustrating worse--we can take you!"

Our story is nothing compared to the horrible flood conditions that then resulted in a massive clean-up for those who really experienced the damage.  But due to what we went through for over 2-3 weeks, it was a bit of an indication.

I am so happy now that in our new home, our very steep driveway is paved, and I don't have to look at gravel again!

So, it may rain here, but so far it has just brought more green growth and a very tropical looking place to live in--except for Chris who has to mow it all!!
________________________________


Note:  I am happy to report that the flood levels in Rockhampton although high, did not cause extensive damage to any homes this year--Yay!

Personal growth - maybe?

I've gone through quite a lot of pain lately--what with my damaged ankle and now maybe as a result of  my Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) flaring up as a result - but I am determined to conquer it all--and believe me, I will!

I went shopping yesterday--easy task--but somehow managed to upset the 'oh so sensitive ankle'--OK -let's all give sympathy.....Maybe a bit more....OK! Enough!  She only plays up for sympathy--stupid blond ankle--when will she face reality??

But it made me realise this morning, after, I must admit, a rather uncomfortable time with her, that despite all that--what is an ankle and its pain?

I mean think of those who are without legs, or arms or their anythings..I am like a whimpering child..

I love the human spirit!

I love the way, despite anything, it just goes on...and sometimes conquers!  It is amazing what we can all endure and then accomplish - we are truly an amazing lot!

I promised never to parallel park...

When I was 16, after taking driving class summer school sessions, I eventually applied for my driver's license.   I passed the theory part - no worries--but then, ....the driving part!  I handled myself fairly well, including a hand-brake release on a steep hill, but told the officer that I could not parallel park.  Everything was going fairly well, when to my surprise we pulled up outside of the courthouse centre, (where drivers were being tested) and the officer asked me to parallel park between the 2 police cars sitting there.

I was devastated! I nervously attempted to do this impossible task for me, (legally blind in my left eye, with perfect vision in my right eye!)

I sort of made it into the parking spot, but in my process of doing so- slightly hit the police car in front of me, and yep!  Hit the police car behind me too!  I was devastated!  I turned to the officer and filled with disappointed anger yelled:

"Right!  So now you are going to fail me!  I told you it was impossible for me to do this task!  I think I did everything else OK--so go ahead- make your day! Fail me!"

He stopped and looked at me.  Sat for a few minutes in his seat next to me, then signed off on his report for my test.  Turning to me, he said:

"You passed.  But you must promise, never, never to parallel park!"

"Oh, Sir. I promise!  Why would I attempt it?"

"Well, OK then, here is your test result--congratulations--you have passed!'

I was so over-whelmed that I just jumped out of the car (after looking both ways) and almost did a victory dance!

Now, this pre-story leads to my main story which I will now lay out in front of you.....

About maybe 8-9 years ago, I had to pick my youngest daughter up from school, and take her to the doctor.  It was mid-to late afternoon, and I knew it would be impossible to find a parking place in the City due to this.  But I persevered, as after having to leave my office and then pick her up from her school, the task involved had taken more time than I had intended and we were now running late.  In luck I found a parking space, but it was a parallel parking one--in this case I was able to drive right into it.  I didn't damage the car in front of me, and feeling so happy with myself, Maddie and I jumped out of the car and ran into the Doctor's office.

Probably about an hour went by, and we had the test results of Maddie's exam, and were walking to our car, when I noticed 2 police officers (male and female) plus a regular person, standing outside of my car.  Wondering why, I walked up, stood next to one of the officers and stood there for a few moments, also, just looking at my car.  Then I turned to the male Officer and asked him.

"Officer, what are we looking at?"

"Do you own this car?" he replied.

"Yes!  Is there a problem?  Did something happen?"  I suddenly thought of a big dent on the other side where someone may have side-swiped my car and damaged it.  I started to feel awful. 

"Can you see how close you parked to the car in front of you. This young gentleman here cannot get his car out of his parking space, because he has no room to maneuver!"

"Oh", I replied, looking at his car and my front bumper. "But I had a Doctor's appointment for my daughter and was running late, and didn't realise and I feel so awful!"

"Did it ever occur to you that other people may also have appointments and this young man has been stuck here for a long time now.  This isn't a good thing!'

I felt terrible.  I turned to the young man and said I would call his appointment and explain and tell them how it was all my fault.  I really felt awful.  Maddie just stood there watching, not really surprised. She was used to me by now.

"It is all my fault!  I told my driving officer I couldn't parallel park when I was 16, and he made me promise I would never ever do it.  I did it didn't I?  I broke my promise to him and now have caused all of this trouble..I can't parallel park!  It's like I'm dyslexic with parking or something--does that ever happen to you....no, I suppose not.  Now what?"

By this stage, the female officer shook her head, and got back into the police car, which was parked directly next to mine, blocking that lane of traffic..I think she had just given up.  I watched her walk away, and turned to the officer saying:

"I'm a bad person. What should we do?"

"First of all, how about backing up your car so that this young gentleman can get to his appointment, and then we will have a talk."

So I did just that.  I backed the car up, and didn't hit the tree behind me. Getting out of the car
I turned to the young man, and asked again if I could make a call on his behalf to his appointment, but he just shook his head too, got in his car, and drove away.

I walked around to the curb again and started talking to the officer still standing there.  Maddie was enjoying all of this, I think.

" Do you know that you have broken so many laws here, that I could throw a slew of tickets at you?  Why did you do this?"    I told him all about my driving exam experience, and how awful I felt.

"I've broken my promise, and now look what happened.  I knew I shouldn't have parked here.  But it looked simple enough.  Guess not, huh?"

"No, you did a pretty bad job of parking." 

He stood and looked at me, and I felt just really bad.  I mean I was to blame..I had made a promise and now had broken it.  I knew I should never have broken that promise!

Finally he turned to me, and putting his ticketing book in his back pocket, he said very firmly:

" I will let you go this time.  I think you have learned a lesson here. But you must promise not only me, but everyone who drives, that you will never ever parallel park again.  Is that understood?"

"Oh, yes, Sir!  I do most solemnly promise.  As you can see I obviously was right the first time. I can't parallel park!"

"OK, then.  Would you do me a favour?"

"Of course, what do you want me  to do?"

"Just go straight home.  Don't stop and park anywhere else today."

"Sure, Officer!  I promise!"

And then...I did just that!

Sidenote to this story: 

When I got home, Chris asked me how my afternoon had gone.  I told him it had been interesting.  (I figured he didn't need to know how stupid I was this time.)  He told me that he had received a call from the police this afternoon, and that apparently there was a problem with our car.

Looking at him in surprise, I said "How did they do that?"

Apparently according to my car registration they were able to trace my work office, and my office gave them Chris' phone number at his office.  While they were talking to Chris I had come out of the Doctor's surgery..and so the story continued.

That night I had to promise also again that I would never, ever parallel park.  It was actually getting easier to make this promise.  I never wanted to go through that again!

When I got to work the next morning, word had spread throughout my university office area, and everyone wanted to know why the police had a 'man-hunt out on me.'

They shook their heads a lot too. Funny that....

Strap's done it again!!

Well - Strap has been a really naughty dog this time.  We knew that when we first moved here that he was somehow escaping our fenced back yard and making his way over to the neighbours--but we just had thought that this had stopped, and that he wasn't doing it anymore.  More fools us!

Apparently he has been going over to the neighbours patio and marking his territory at night-time while we're in bed.  Then he shows up all innocent like at our back patio door in the morning and plays the innocent act very well! He's almost a bigger Drama Queen than Squirt!  http://jan-whyilovemylife.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/squirt-our-true-drama-queen.html  He has this 'Look at me and how innocent I am look on his face', as he lays by our back patio door, waiting to give us love and attention.

So at first we were alerted to this problem by our next door neighbour, with a knock on our front door!  I invited her in, and although she was lovely, I could tell it had become a real issue.  Apparently Strap was weeing on their patio furniture- now no properly raised member of this family has ever done that--but then there is Strap!  So I took her out onto our patio, where she identified her culprit as he stood there ready for play.

Talk about an embarrassed parent!  I never went through this with my daughters!

We discovered that we needed to try to affix the side fence to the stone retaining wall by some method, as this was how he was escaping.  What didn't help the situation was the beginning of the rain!

As it was raining, it wasn't possible for Chris to get out to the fence and repair it, as he needed his power tools. so in the interim, we came up with the solution of locking Strap in the pool fenced area overnight (the sneaky time when he would make his Great Escape).  For 2 nights, even though it was sprinkling rain, he still had dry areas of protection to sleep, so we didn't worry too much about him.  Then the next night--the real rain appeared.  At about midnight I checked on him, and he was whimpering, (couldn't blame him), but told him that it would only hopefully be for a short time, and then I went to bed--under a dry roof, in a soft bed--not very good Mother material!

When I got up early the next morning, Strap was contentedly sleeping at the patio doorway!  To this day we can't figure out how he did this- we can only surmise that the pool gate didn't close completely when Chris put him to bed the night before!  But as it was raining, we knew he wouldn't have gone to the neighbours and left any nasty surprises. He doesn't like getting his feet wet!

But by that night it was not raining as much, and we took the chance that with a temporary block to the fence way, that we could go to bed and trust that Strap couldn't escape. Wrong!

When Chris checked with our neighbour the next day, we learned that once again the King of Wee had appeared.  So Chris invited our new neighbour over and together they inspected the problem area, and agreed it would be a tricky job.  But Chris went to the local hardware store to get his supplies, and Strap kept looking at me, asking for his cuddles and love.  But this time both Chris and I were in a discipline frame of mind, and I told Strap that he wouldn't get his cuddles because he was being too naughty.  I know it sounds silly--but I think he understood.

Chris arrived home with his hardware of extra wire, wood and large bolts and began the arduous job  in the humidity of the rain soaked air.  I offered to help, but he told me that there was little I could do (translate: you are not too strong, and this would kill you to climb this wall and assist!)  So I continued my stern looks at Strap, and as Chris worked on the escape fence, Strap watched and I must admit, did act somewhat sheepishly!

For the past two nights we have had to chain him up at night so that he can sleep under the patio roof, and yet have enough chain to do his own wees in his own yard.  He has been very accepting of this.  Maybe today the weather will ease enough to allow Chris to complete the Mighty Fence Block job, and then we can all breathe a sigh of relief, and take some of our sorry guilt away as we see Strap chained at night.  It is breaking our hearts. But Strap takes it like a good prisoner, and is obliging to 'The Gov, Sir!"

I think he may have learned his lesson, but after watching Marley and Me last night for probably the third time, much to Chris' chagrin,  I'm beginning to think twice about that!!

Oscar!!

A few days ago, I started to write a story about all of the strange pets and animals (err...friends of a different shape), that had entered our lives and noticed that except for some, I have written about them all over the years--I guess that is how much impact they have had on my life!

Oscar was maybe my second experiment with a fish - Lauren had one as a child, but as I knew nothing about caring for fish then, we discoverd that one day it just jumped out of it's small tank, and died....poor little Cleo!  We gave it a fish funeral--wrapped it in a gold box and buried it where we could place flowers when we wanted to...a sad day.....

But then one day, many years later, and I thought many years wiser (Yeah--dream on!), I decided we needed to have a fish again!

So, out of the blue I bought Oscar--He was a fan-tailed goldfish- a hardy sort!  Almost instant love happened between me and Oscar--the family thought I was crazy--but I was getting used to that reaction. So Oscar lived in a domed glass fish bowl, and swam around. Then one day, as Oscar was getting bigger and spreading his tail feathers, I decided he needed a bigger home--so I bought him a very large bowl--you know the sort --big, glass, sort of domed - could be a punch bowl if you were desperate!

Anyway--I cleaned it thoroughly. and then filled the bottom with blue crystal stones, I inserted some green plant for him, and then transferred him to his new home.  I placed him and his bowl on top of our large glass topped coffee table which was in our lounge room, and sat back to enjoy him.

It took him a couple of days to settle, and as fish do, he remodelled his new home where he thought it was necessary--that's OK--to each their own.. but we were beginning to discover each other.

As time went on, I discovered that Oscar loved to dance, as when I was watching TV in that room, and would have my feet extended on my recliner couch, I would jiggle them to the music, and Oscar would look only at me, and swing and swirl to my feet!  It was so fascinating to watch. 

I also discovered that he loved- LOVED- having a bath, and a new clean bowl! I know you are supposed to always net fish carefully and put them in a safe container while their home is being cleaned--but I just always asked Oscar to swim into my hand, which he did, and I placed him carefully in a large measuring cup of water, while I cleaned his home.  He used to wiggle and, you won't believe me, but sort of cuddle into my palm before I put him in his temporary home...I guess you had to be there, to see what I really mean..

Anyway, I would clean his bowl, and wash his blue crystal stones, and insert new plant etc, then just put my hand into the large measuring cup and ask Oscar to swim back into it.  He always did.  Then when I placed him in his new clean home - he would do a dance of joy!  He would swim around. and dive and inspect it all, and literally almost give me a large grin of excitement!  When I placed him back on the glass topped coffee table, he would just happily play away, but always stop to watch me, and just check if I was there.  He liked it when I sat in my chair on the couch, and danced with him--he LOVED dancing!

Well Oscar and our family spent a few happy years together, him dancing, and me dancing with my feet on my recliner!  Oscar always watched me- - he would swim around in his bowl and keep his huge bulbous eyes on me a lot.....although he didn't like it when I vacuumed...either the motion/vibration- or the sound--he just always preferred a one on one with me--dancing.

One year I noticed that the sun was sneaking in quite brightly in the early morning hours from our cathedral ceiling windows, and shining straight down on Oscar and his home.  Not good. So I decided to move him to my 'special desk' which was against one wall in the lounge room, and he seemed happy. We could no longer dance together, as it was in a more difficult position, but I was willing to sacrifice this fun until the sun moved a bit lower or higher--whichever way it goes when the seasons change.

Then  suddenly it was Christmas time!  I was happily shopping and discovered a laser-light Christmas village at a reasonable price--so brought it home, and set it up on the desk where Oscar now lived--I thought he would enjoy the fun----But I was horribly wrong.

Oscar was somehow affected by the laser color changing lights and he started to act strangely. It took me a couple of days to realise that he was in trouble, but by then it was almost too late.  I of course stopped the light display--but then I got up one morning to discover Oscar was dead and floating on the top of his home--his treasured palace! 

I don't know how long I cried, and felt such guilt - because I think it was my fault that the Christmas display killed him....but rest assured--he will never be forgotten--what a great Dude he was!

Strange mobile video calls

Yesterday morning I was in the Family room, when my mobile phone rang, it looked like a video call from Bron, so I answered it and happily said: "Hello! Uh, hello...hello...are you there?"  The image on the screen was blurry and the whole incident seemed strange. So I just hung up and went on with what I was doing.

Then about 15 minutes later, my phone rang again.  Another video call from Bron.  It must have been a glitchy call the first time, so again I answered, and eagerly replied: Hello!!..hello..hello?  Is that you Bron?"....No response...just a blurry picture...  This time I started to get worried--perhaps she fell and can't talk and could only just get her finger to autodial--perhaps she needed help and I was so far away!  If you know my imagination, a thousand thoughts went through my mind. 

So this time, I phoned her straight back, just a regular call - not a video call....and she answered all out of breath.  I asked:

"Is anything wrong?"

"No, just a really hot day, and I am trying to get the mowing finished...It is a really humid day out here today!"

"Did you just call me twice on the video phone?"

"No....why?"

"Well. your phone called me and it was very strange."

"Oh, I get it...my phone has a mind of its own.  It's in my pants packet--it probably phoned you!"

I started laughing, relieved that nothing was wrong, and said: "Oh, ok then.  Well tell your pants pocket that I appreciate the call, and I love it too!  I even love the other pocket and the shorts, and the person who is wearing the pocket!  I'll let you get back to your mowing--it sounds like a bucket full of fun!"

"Ok. thanks. I might switch pockets with my phone--control it better..."

"Ok!  Love ya, talk to you later!"

Smiling I ended the call and put my phone down again--that is one cheeky pants pocket!!